Low elevation trails have been just incredible lately. Beautiful dirt and scenes as the snow finally leaves us. Snow is still a problem as low as 7500' on some north and east exposures. Luckily we have some great trails below that.

directions to ride the Emigrant Trail Singletrack in Truckee. The trail head is located a few miles north of I-80, along Highway 89, on the east side of the road (right if you're heading away from Truckee and north). The official trailhead is about 3 miles north of Truckee, and signed as "Donner Camp". it's a nice big paved parking area. The more popular trailhead is a mile further north at a sign saying "Hobart Mills", which is immediately after a small bridge on hwy 89 just after a creek flowing under the road.

First of all, Emigrant trail is the first quality singletrack to ride in the spring due to early snowmelt. It suprises us every season, melting in late march or early April - a full 2 months before the Tahoe Rim Trail for example.

Emigrant Trail is an out-and-back ride of about 11 miles one way. When you get to the other side you will turn around at the edge of Prosser Dam. There is no water reaching the spot where you turn around. Maybe it'll come back one day. You'll see the water nearby to your left. You'll also see the continuation of the trail on the other side. Don't bother going over there.

This is an easy ride, but not boring for advanced riders either. The elevation changes are a few hundred feet up and down, without much steep climbing. There aren't many rocks in the trail either. But the singletrack is fun and twisty for sure!

There are longer loops you can make out of the Emigrant Trail by using fire roads, or crossing hwy 89 and combining Prossor Hill and Tahoe Donner trails.

_________________
Mike Schwartz
www.thebackcountry.net
mike@thebackcountry.net